What's eating my velvet calathea (furry feather)?

Velvet Calathea's fuzzy, velvety leaves trap dust and can shelter spider mites and thrips. Spider mites are the primary threat in dry interiors, while thrips rasp the leaf surface leaving silver streaking. Mealybugs and fungus gnats round out the risk list in overly wet or crowded conditions.

Bronze or yellow stippling on leaves; faint webbing on undersides; curling fronds Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove mites from velvet surface; spray with insecticidal soap; maintain humidity above 50%

Silver or bronze streaking and scarring on leaf surfaces; tiny black frass dots Isolate plant; spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad; sticky traps help monitor adult populations

White waxy fluff deep in leaf sheaths and along stems; honeydew residue Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol to affected areas with a cotton swab; follow with neem oil spray

Larvae feeding on roots; adult gnats emerging from moist potting mix Reduce watering frequency; allow soil surface to dry; use Bti or yellow sticky traps